Raising a Champion

John Boruk

Raising a Champion digs into the $15 billion industry of youth sports through the eyes of former professional athletes, parents, coaches, administrators and medical experts to answer how youth sports can improve, be safer, cost-effective and more inclusive for all athletes. We also explore how parents can provide a better supporting cast financially, emotionally and spiritually for their children to not only raise a champion on the playing field, but Raising a Champion for life!

  1. Insights from working with NHL athletes: Guest Episode - Our Kids Play Hockey

    08/22/2023

    Insights from working with NHL athletes: Guest Episode - Our Kids Play Hockey

    Are you ready to journey behind the scenes of youth sports with us? Brace yourselves, as we turn the spotlight on our guest, John Boruk, a former Philadelphia sportscaster and dedicated hockey parent. As we traverse through the fast-paced world of athletics, John shares valuable insights from his unique vantage point that combines both the perspectives of a seasoned sportscaster and a devoted parent navigating the world of youth sports. In this riveting dialogue, we delve into the significance of your role as a parent in igniting a passion for sports in your child. We discuss how the pouring in of money has reshaped the sports landscape, making it more challenging for parents to foster a love for the game in their young ones. Our conversation takes a fascinating turn as we explore the value of unstructured play, leadership, and the critical commitment needed for children's development in sports.  But that's not all! We also bring to light how access to facilities like ice can significantly influence a young athlete's progress. From the importance of nutrition and leadership to handling the pressures of money in sports, we leave no stone unturned. So, join us for an enlightening conversation about youth sports, parental involvement, and the journey of raising a champion — a story of tenacity, passion, and perseverance. Support the show https://www.facebook.com/RACPodcast1/ https://twitter.com/rac_podcast1 https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnboruk/

    1h 15m
  2. Training a Young Athlete's Mind: Insights from Kate Allgood

    08/15/2023

    Training a Young Athlete's Mind: Insights from Kate Allgood

    As we welcomed Kate Allgood, mental performance coach and CEO, onto our latest podcast, we couldn't help but be astounded by her fascinating journey from ice hockey player to a specialized mental trainer for athletes. Her insights into the inner workings of an athlete's mind proved to be thought-provoking and enlightening - a must-listen for any parent, coach, or aspiring athlete. She taught us that the heart of an athlete's performance indeed lies in their mindset – focus, internal confidence and psychological wellness are the game-changers.  This episode took a deep dive into the all-important topic of goal-setting in youth sports. Who should carry the mantle? The athlete or the parent? Kate shared that the answer isn’t black or white and how the responsibility shifts as the athlete grows older. We learned that goals should always be within the athlete's control and regular check-ins are crucial to ensure they remain committed. We also confronted the mental hurdles young athletes face and shared strategies to help them navigate, manage their mental state during competitions, and foster a healthier approach to performance evaluation.  In the final stretch of our conversation, we explored a critical issue – an athlete's identity. Far too often, athletes lose themselves to the sport, forgetting their identity outside the field. The role of parents proves pivotal here, setting healthy examples and supporting their children to develop a sense of self. We confronted the concept of ownership in athletics, underscoring the impact of taking charge of even the minute details on overall performance. The power of visualization and mental preparation was also at the center stage. This episode is packed with invaluable insights into the psychological aspect of sports performance. Join us in this enlightening conversation with Kate Allgood! Support the show https://www.facebook.com/RACPodcast1/ https://twitter.com/rac_podcast1 https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnboruk/

    51 min
  3. Exposing Unruly Parents with Little League President Don Bozzuffi

    06/21/2023

    Exposing Unruly Parents with Little League President Don Bozzuffi

    What if you could change the culture of youth sports for the better? Join us as we talk to Don Bozzuffi, a man who has done just that by taking on the issue of parental behavior at Little League Baseball Games. With nearly 50 years of experience in youth sports and serving as the president of Deptford Little League since 2010, Don shares his journey of tackling this pervasive issue and how his efforts are creating a positive environment for young athletes. In our conversation, we dive into the reasons behind the drastic shift in parental behavior over the years, from entitlement to misunderstanding the importance of being a positive influence.  Don also sheds light on the impact of inappropriate language and actions on children, emphasizing the necessity of teaching situational plays and the skillset of baseball. Furthermore, we explore the implementation and benefits of a code of conduct policy to protect volunteers and ensure a more structured and disciplined atmosphere at games. Our insightful and thought-provoking discussion with Don Bozzuffi offers hope for a better future in youth sports. By addressing the issue of sportsmanship head-on and implementing a code of conduct policy, Don's efforts have garnered national attention and inspired others to follow suit. Listen in to learn how we can all work together to create a more positive culture in youth sports and raise the next generation of champions. Support the show https://www.facebook.com/RACPodcast1/ https://twitter.com/rac_podcast1 https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnboruk/

    49 min
  4. So You Want to Develop a College Hockey Player with Jim & Andrea McMenamin

    05/22/2023

    So You Want to Develop a College Hockey Player with Jim & Andrea McMenamin

    In this episode, Jim and Andrea MacMenamin discuss the process to raise and develop two collegiate hockey players. Eldest son, Colton, attended and played hockey for Division-III Stevenson University in Maryland, while their youngest son, Connor, just completed four years at Penn State University and has committed to play for Minnesota-Duluth for the 2023-24 season. Both parents have a history of military service in their family and much of the discipline and regimen has been utilized in their parenting styles. The McMenamins talk about sending Connor away to Shattuck-St. Mary's - a Minnesota boarding school - at the age of 14 before moving on to the USHL and college hockey.  They also explain the maturity of hockey players and why playing collegiately as a teenager is so difficult. Andrea details how the PeeWee Quebec Invitational was the start of grabbing the eye of regional and international scouts.   Support the show https://www.facebook.com/RACPodcast1/ https://twitter.com/rac_podcast1 https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnboruk/

    57 min
  5. Why Running shouldn't be a Form of Punishment with Olympic Track Coach Sue Humphrey

    04/19/2023

    Why Running shouldn't be a Form of Punishment with Olympic Track Coach Sue Humphrey

    Sue Humphrey is a three-time Olympic coach who also served as the head coach for the U.S. Olympics Women’s Track and Field team at the 2004 Summer Games in Athens, Greece. She has trained some of the world’s best athletes from high jumper Charles Austin to gold medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee. Humphrey’s career has also heavily involved in advocating for women’s rights in college sports through the Title IX amendment. Currently a high school track coach in Texas, Humphrey is the author of “I Want to Run: The Olympic Developmental Training and Nutritional Guide for Young and Teen Track Runners Ages 10 to 18.” In this episode, we discuss the impact international athletes have on the changing landscape of collegiate athletes, why running shouldn’t be used as punishment in other sports and the biggest challenge to Title IX - Transgender athletics and how the NCAA should categorize the transgender athlete. Support the show https://www.facebook.com/RACPodcast1/ https://twitter.com/rac_podcast1 https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnboruk/

    52 min
  6. Restructuring Youth Sports in the Public School System with Advocate & Coach Mitch Lyons

    04/07/2023

    Restructuring Youth Sports in the Public School System with Advocate & Coach Mitch Lyons

    Mitch Lyons has made it his mission to reform and remodel athletics within the public school system. His belief through historical context and research-based learning implored him to advocate for students, parents and administrators through two non-profit organizations: GetPsychedSports.org and EndAbusiveCoaching.org.  As a result, he has conducted workshops on educational athletics and Social Emotional Learning. Mitch has also coached basketball for over 25 years at just almost every level (community, travel, AAU, high school and college). Now retired, Mitch also practiced law and used that skill set to help implement change and legislation in the state of Massachusetts. In this episode, Mitch discusses the work of his non-profit organizations, the emotional and physical abuse that comes with youth sports, how to create a positive environment and giving children a voice to feel comfortable speaking openly with their coaches. Support the show https://www.facebook.com/RACPodcast1/ https://twitter.com/rac_podcast1 https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnboruk/

    57 min
  7. Addressing a Painful Situation & the Opportunity that comes from Disappointment - A Personal Story

    03/30/2023

    Addressing a Painful Situation & the Opportunity that comes from Disappointment - A Personal Story

    Support the show https://www.facebook.com/RACPodcast1/ https://twitter.com/rac_podcast1 https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnboruk/

    36 min
  8. It's Never too Late to Start with PGA Club Pro Dave McNabb

    03/23/2023

    It's Never too Late to Start with PGA Club Pro Dave McNabb

    Born in Mt. Clemens, MI, Dave McNabb moved to the Delaware Valley in2010 when he was named the head golf pro at Applebrook Country Club in Malvern, PA. Impressively, Dave didn't take up the sport of golf until his mid-20s, and has started playing some of his best golf later in life when many athletes are on the downslope of their careers.  Dave qualified for his first major PGA tournament at the age of 47. He first teed off with the pros at the 2013 PGA Championship at famed Oak Hill, and then subsequently qualified in 2014 at Valhalla and 2017 at Quail Hollow. Dave is regarded as one of the top players in the Philadelphia area and is the proud owner of two Delaware State Open Championships and numerous Philadelphia PGA titles. Above all else, Dave’s passion lies with his family and his service to the membership at Applebrook Country Club. In this episode, McNabb discusses starting the game of gold at a later age and how he's improved with age,  and the state of golf within the younger generation including ways to make the game more enjoyable. Support the show https://www.facebook.com/RACPodcast1/ https://twitter.com/rac_podcast1 https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnboruk/

    50 min
See All (34)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Raising a Champion digs into the $15 billion industry of youth sports through the eyes of former professional athletes, parents, coaches, administrators and medical experts to answer how youth sports can improve, be safer, cost-effective and more inclusive for all athletes. We also explore how parents can provide a better supporting cast financially, emotionally and spiritually for their children to not only raise a champion on the playing field, but Raising a Champion for life!

Information

  • Creator
    John Boruk
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2023
  • Episodes
    34
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Raising a Champion
  • Show Website
    Raising a Champion